Colchicine as a Modulator of Platelet Function: A Systematic Review

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#blood-platelets #colchicine #hemostasis #humans #platelet-aggregation

Colchicine as a Modulator of Platelet Function: A Systematic Review

Reddel et al., 2022 | Semin Thromb Hemost | Systematic Review

Citation

Reddel Caroline J, Pennings Gabrielle J, ... Kritharides Leonard. Colchicine as a Modulator of Platelet Function: A Systematic Review. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2022-Jul;48(5):552-567. doi:10.1055/s-0042-1749660

Abstract

The microtubule inhibitor and anti-inflammatory agent colchicine is used to treat a range of conditions involving inflammasome activation in monocytes and neutrophils, and is now known to prevent coronary and cerebrovascular events. In vitro studies dating back more than 50 years showed a direct effect of colchicine on platelets, but as little contemporary attention has been paid to this area, we have critically reviewed the effects of colchicine on diverse aspects of platelet biology in vitro and in vivo. In this systematic review we searched Embase, Medline, and PubMed for articles testing platelets after incubation with colchicine and/or reporting a clinical effect of colchicine treatment on platelet function, including only papers available in English and excluding reviews and conference abstracts. We identified 98 relevant articles and grouped their findings based on the type of study and platelet function test. In vitro, colchicine inhibits traditional platelet functions, including aggregation, clotting, degranulation, and platelet-derived extracellular vesicle formation, although many of these effects were reported at apparently supraphysiological concentrations. Physiological concentrations of colchicine inhibit collagen- and calcium ionophore-induced platelet aggregation and internal signaling. There have been limited studies of in vivo effects on platelets. The colchicine-platelet interaction has the potential to contribute to colchicine-mediated reduction in cardiovascular events, but there is a pressing need for high quality clinical research in this area.

Key Findings

The colchicine-platelet interaction has the potential to contribute to colchicine-mediated reduction in cardiovascular events, but there is a pressing need for high quality clinical research in this area.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Platelets
  • Colchicine
  • Hemostasis
  • Humans
  • Platelet Aggregation
  • Platelet Function Tests

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09